Some kiss of death from Donald Trump and the gang, wasn’t it? Despite pleas from right-wing figures across the world, Hungarian voters have decisively ousted Viktor Orban, bringing an end to the autocratic leader’s 16-year premiership.
Reaction as Viktor Orban booted out of office
On Sunday evening, Orban conceded the election to Peter Magyar and his TISZA party following a comprehensive defeat. The result has sent shockwaves across Europe, with several heads of state congratulating the new president, and heralding a ‘victory for Europe’.
“Today, Europe wins, and European values win. Congratulations to all Hungarian citizens for historic elections. Looking forward to working together with Peter Magyar, in order to secure a better future for all Europeans.” | Pedro Sanchez
“Ukraine is ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary. Europe and every European nation must get stronger, and millions of Europeans seek cooperation and stability. We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations” | Volodymyr Zelenskyy
In the UK, Keir Starmer hailed the victory as a ‘historic moment for democracy’. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, took a more sardonic tone, teasing the people who tried and subsequently failed to get Orban re-elected – and directed most of his ire towards JD Vance.
Constitutional majority in play, making a bad night even worse for Viktor Orban
But, incredibly, losing the election might only tell half the story. The margin of victory for Magyar and his colleagues now takes centre stage. Should they win 133 seats or more, TISZA will secure a constitutional majority – giving them the power to fundamentally change how Hungary is run.
This is something Viktor Orban took advantage of during his reign, making a series of sweeping and increasingly authoritarian changes to national legislation. Should they reach the 133-mark, Magyar and TISZA will have the power to undo certain laws – and avoid deadlocks with ‘loyalists’ of the previous regime.
With 95% of the vote counted on Sunday, that dream is within touching distance of becoming a reality…
‘Trump, Vance… your boy took a beating’
In the past 12 months, anti-Trump sentiment in both Canada and Australia has been credited with preventing right-wing conservatives from winning general elections. And, following the results from Hungary this evening, Team MAGA have gone and made it a hat-trick.
Hungarians cast their ballots on Sunday – in what was described as the country’s most consequential set of elections in recent history. Viktor Orban, who assumed office back in 2010, received ringing endorsements from Donald Trump and JD Vance this week.
In fact, the US Vice President flew over to the European nation to meet with Orban, and addressed a rally of his supporters. This preceded a long-winded Truth Social post from President Trump, who previously encouraged the electorate to show their support for the incumbent.
That went well…